Graphorrhea

No, I'm not sick with a disease.  Here is the definition:

Graphorrhea

1.  writing in excessive amounts, sometimes incoherently

2.  extreme wordiness in writing

I've been blogging since 2007.  As I've stated before, I don't know really why I started and I definitely don't know when I'll end this gig.  But for now, I enjoy it.  Usually.

So how do I go about Musing each week?  Well I'll let you in on my mundane ways.  During the week when I see something or hear something or think of something, I will jot it in my "notes" on my phone.  Usually it is just a code word or an event or something to trigger my memory once I sit down to write.  My purpose is that it should be interesting, funny, or encouraging.  If it isn't, then it isn't worth your time.  I know I fail and sometimes it is a bit too 'Mundane'.  I try.  Really I do!  

The actual writing is a strange thing even to me.  I must be completely alone.  I'll look at my 'notes',  think of the past week's events,  look out the window, talk sweet-nothings to the cat,  click a pen a few times, sit and think a few minutes in utter silence, and then I just start to type. 

I get in a "zone" when writing a blog post.  It is hard to describe, but somehow it just writes itself.  If I'm doing ghost writing for Lisi, I have to get into a totally different mindset of a dog brain.  Weird I know.  A typical posting takes about 20 minutes tops.

Life has drastically changed with the MYP in the past eight years.  I used to write about little kids and how they would say this or that or do this or that and it was all cute and cuddly.  Now they are teenagers with lives and boundaries and confidence in me as their mother to not divulge their private lives.  It isn't blog worthy.

I'm thankful for a wonderful relationship with my Chairman.  You will never see me write about disagreements.  Of course we have them at times like any other old married couple (isn't that so hard to believe?).  Another example of something not blog worthy. 

I am blessed with a lot of friends.  I love them dearly.  Sometimes I hear a story or am intrigued by a situation they are experiencing and would love to blog about it.  But I can't.  It isn't my story.  So it isn't blog worthy.

And finally, the most important thing I don't blog about is a hidden joy that cannot be told with typed words.  That aspect of my life - that many of you know about isn't something that I would blog about.  It's too deep.  Words fail.  It is much more worthy than a blog post.

So there you have it!  The behind-the-scenes look at the blogging life at the Chairman and Co!  We will be back to regular programming tomorrow.  That is - if there is a code word or two in my "notes" and if the house is quiet and if there is something to say.  Or not.

Thursday Thoughts

I had no intention of blogging today so this is Lisi's fault you have something else to read.  You see it is currently 76 degrees outside and to her that is dreadfully hot.  Twice I have tried to leave for a walk.  Twice she's laid down at the end of the driveway.  It is quite the spectacle seeing me try to pull her lying on the ground to go for a walk.  Lest the SPCA (Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) comes calling, I gave up and don't even want to walk myself since she won't come with me.  Here's a profile picture I took last night as we sat under the trampoline together.  I still think she's cute even if she's gray and stubborn to boot.  Wait a minute!  That sounds like I'm describing myself.  Heh.

So I've been sick.  I'm proving that yes indeed, I'm the weaker vessel.  It's my second cold in about six weeks.  I have been drinking uber-healthy smoothies for several months so I don't understand why I'm falling ill.  Maybe the viruses think there's more nutrients to feed on inside of me.  I don't know.   I've been checking the mailbox for sympathy or 'thinking of you' cards, but none have come yet.  Oh well.  I'll suffer in silence.

We've had baby robins fluttering around and even inside our garage as they practice with their new wings.  I've heard and seen the yellow-winged blackbirds take flight.  But I never seem to see a baby mourning dove with their parents.  Hmmm.

We are in glorious - near paradise conditions here with balmy weather, light winds and sunshine after rain.  Yet, I hear the air conditioners humming away as I walk.  Seems depressing to have the house always sealed up, but maybe that's me.  It's also common at the Chairman and  Co. to only run the a/c if it hits 86 inside the house.  But maybe that's just us.

Son #1 and I had the privilege of retrieving a bike that took a ride to the sheriff's department the other day.  I tempted fate and parked illegally in front of the office with sheriff cars buzzing about.  I'm crazy like that.  We walk inside and there are three serious looking bullet-proof windows.  One was for paying fines.  One was for paying for your bail.  And one was for 'other' so I walked up and was greeted by Sheriff Slightly Friendly.  I explained about the bike taking a ride in the cop car and then I had to give my ID so he could run a background check on me, explain a few details about myself and the bike and finally he retrieved it from the "holding room".  I was trying to be charming and friendly and offered eager smiles.  He in turn did not.  It's all serious business at the sheriff's department.

A few ladies were waiting there in the waiting room.  They looked distressed.  I overheard one say to the other, 'do you think they'll release him before long?  We've waited a really long time and I wish they'd tell us something.'  I think their day or relation isn't as good as mine is.

I posted this on FB the other day.  Daughter #2 loves to use my phone for pictures and slo-mo shots, etc.  I found this on my camera roll.  Kinda looks like an angel until you realize it is daughter #2.  She's sweet, but definitely no angel.  Tee-hee.

Saw this picture that sums up my feelings about crafts.  You 'crafty' ones can defend this if you want...

Happy rest of the week!

Monday Musings... sort of...

I know.  I know!  It isn't Monday.  Well it feels like Monday, but it's not.

I would have Mused yesterday but I lost my voice.  Not in a rhetorical sense, but literally.  I had a mild cold that settled down into my chest and there was peace in the valley and hope in the land... I just quoted a middle-school concert piece I sang a gazillion years ago.  It was quite pretty and I digressed.

Anyway!  Just because I lost my voice doesn't mean I couldn't type.  And just because yesterday was a major holiday doesn't mean I couldn't type.  I'll admit something.  I was home most all the live-long day.  I was alone a lot of the time.  I had ample time and opportunity to Muse.  But I just didn't feel like it.  Why you ask?  I dunno.  Maybe because I was in a funk from the cold.  Or maybe, just maybe there was absolutely no material to Muse on.  Or maybe...  oh never mind.

I had a nice breakfast with Mrs. Chicken Farmer and Mrs. Pretty Cousin late last week!  We've been close since I was first married.  Thankful for life-long friends.  And for our MYP enjoying each other's company.

We tackled a mulch pile and won the battle.  I'm very very happy to say everything is planted and I'm just wandering around waiting for weeds to pop up so I can pluck 'em.

The cat has been sitting in strange positions.  He deserves to relax after ridding our yard and neighborhood of bunnies and mice each night.

We went for a drive on Saturday and crossed paths with this fella.  He was not in the least bit worried about us despite being close enough to hear him chewing his grass.

So the MYP and the Chairman are back in the grind after an extended weekend.  I am back looking at piles of dirty socks and a dirty floor that need tending.  I also need to go pick up a bike from the sheriff's impound lot in a nearby town.  Lets just say leaving bikes in a ditch on private property will make for an exciting evening.

So happy Monday... I mean Tuesday to you!  See?  I told you there was nothing to Muse!

Wildflower Wednesday

Yes indeed.  After I post on the blog, I'm aiming to head out expediently and plant a wildflower mix in our adjacent lot.  It looks like it would be fun according to pictures on the box I purchased.  However, the reality of digging up grass and roots and thistles and what-not will make it not so fun.  I'm hoping the results aren't a mix of glorified dandelions.

So Lisi has been lame.  I did take her to the vet a couple days ago.  She has the equivalent of a doggy sprained ankle and was given some medicine to take down the swelling and pain.  It was kind of disturbing for the three days she couldn't walk.  It was like walking into your fitness club and seeing the favorite piece of equipment out of service.  I didn't walk without her.  So that leads me to believe, once her days are done here - I'll either gain a quick 15 pounds or we will need another dog.

Standing in the returns line at Costco yesterday, there was a lady on the phone.  Since I stood there for approximately 8 minutes (not that I was counting) I listened in on her conversation and typed some highlights in my 'notes' section on the phone because I'm sneaky like that.  Here goes:  "I know I should call the police (spoken loudly and piqued my curiosity)!  She broke into our house twice and the last time she stole my earrings.  If we call the police it will make matters worse.  Ok.  I'll be available if you call.  Let me know if there's problems and call 911 and then call me."  (I have a feeling her life is more distressing and maybe exciting than mine.)

As we were eating supper last night the cat comes up to the window once again with a very lucky sparrow in its mouth.  Why lucky?  Because for the third time in the past 10 days I've gone out and poked the cat til he meows and the bird flies off.  Is that me or is that kinda weird?  Maybe it's same bird and they're just playing.  I think not.

I sometimes check the feeder to see the readership.  Lately, I've noticed the hits from faraway places.  Today they were from Ontario, Nigeria, Australia, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Alberta.  I'm pretty sure I don't know most of you, but no matter!  Glad you stopped by!  I like friends from afar!

We have friends with black skin.  We have a relative that lives and works amongst those with brown skin.  We have a daughter with (what they call) yellow skin.  We have relatives with olive skin.  We have light skin.  All of that is just outside stuff that doesn't matter.  I saw this the other day and I thought it was beautiful for a lot of reason.

And then I saw this.  It was me yesterday at Sam's Club.

And this.  The reality is that we are on the last picture with teenagers.  It does go fast...

And then there's this.  A picture of our fruit basket with 1/3 of a banana, 1/8 of a banana, 1/4 of an apple, and 1/2 of an apple.  Um.  Could you not have handled eating that last 1/8th?  Or the other for that matter...

Finally.  Just because it was cute.  Golden moments I guess you'd call them.

Off to dig up grass in hopes of a lovely wildflower meadow.  Only time and some grit will tell.

Monday Musings

Not sure what got into me on Friday.  I kinda ruined it for Monday Musings.  Why you ask?  Well contrary to popular belief, life isn't as exciting as it seems at the Chairman and Co.  So basically there's very little to Muse.

Other than we spent the entire day Saturday in the yard.  I planted, and I watered, and hopefully the sun and warmth will give the increase.  

The Chairman was busy tilling my vegetable garden.  I may have said this before but it bears repeating.  I wish I liked vegetable gardening as much as flower gardening.  Today I have to sow.  Not sew.  I honestly don't like doing either.  However,  I do enjoy reaping.

While getting gas, I spotted Waldo.  I didn't realize "Waldo" was a lady.  Maybe it was his wife.

Daughter #2 was having fun with my phone camera while I took my Sunday siesta.  I love this tree.  Too bad the petals are blowing off already today.

And then there's Lisi.  She took off after a yearling deer on Saturday and came home limping.  She's still limping.  Badly.  I may be paying a visit to the vet today.  I think it's just a sprain, but I'm not sure.

I saw this the other day.  It reminded me of a couple other cuties.

Having deep and empathetic feelings for a family that has lost their husband, father and son far too soon many states away.  I am confident those near them are offering deep comfort.  

There's been lots of testing at our high school so I've been driving one or two young people to school lately.  Then there's early pick-ups for practices so essentially I have four hours to accomplish stuff before I put on my taxi hat and start the engine.  Better get going so they get to school on time. Besides, I'm Mused out already.  

Fantastic Friday

Yes it is!  Fantastic!  We have a weekend ahead of us with very little planned for the five of us (well seven if you count the dog/cat, but they usually have no agenda).

At awards ceremonies for sports or what-not, usually you see parents clapping wildly.  I think they aren't clapping out of joy for their children's accomplishments, but more than that they are clapping because it is one less activity they have to drive to.   Or maybe that's just me.

I'm worried about the bees.  Not my bees, just bees in general.  Mine are usually in my bonnet.  They pollinate this nation's crops and I keep reading they are dying all over the place.  I'm guessing it is all the pesticides that are used.  No matter.  I hope they figure it out soon.

Are you a cold-pizza breakfast eater?  I'm not.  Just the thought of eating something non-breakfasty in the morning almost makes me want to dry heave.

I think gardening is just another term for "pulling weeds".

Yes, I've spent a lot of time this week in the flower beds.  It is amazing the length of roots that grass has under the surface.  Believe me, I know.  Hidden things can be very far reaching.  For good or for bad.

When I see a car on the road that seems familiar, I don't look at the person driving.  I look at the license plate because I kinda have most of them memorized of my friends.  Weird I know.  Works great at night too!

I love auto-correct on my phone.  Sometimes I wish my mouth had it.  You know when you start speaking and it isn't coming out quite right.  Wouldn't it be nice if something just took over and made it look like a legit thought or sentence?

Saw some little thoughts on-line this week I liked.

It is during the worst storms in your life that you will get to see the true colors of the people who say they care for you.

There are no perfect parents and there are no perfect children.  But there are plenty of perfect moments along the way.

Expectation is the root of all heartache.

When all is said and done, we're all just walking each other home.  

And finally, here's what was on my camera roll on my phone.

Happy weekend to you!

Monday Musings

Well hello!  I've reread some of the latest posts and realize there are too many words.  In the past, Musings were just that.  Just a quick Muse about something and I've deviated from that.  So back to brief comments and a few pictures.  Your life is as busy as mine.  Thank you for your patience.

Mother's Day.  We are blessed with two mothers in our life.  One by birth.  One by marriage.  They both came yesterday.  They both enjoy each other's company.  And we love them both.  I still think we are beyond fortunate that we like them and they like each other too!

 Can't leave out the dad's.  

And here's me with the MYP.  

I think there is a 'greatest' calling.  I wasn't called for that.  But I was called to be a mom.  I feel that deeply and it is a great privilege.  The MYP often come for questions answered.  I used to think that my own mom had all the answers and it came easily.  But the longer I parent (with the Chairman by my side), I now realize that answers given are spoken with fear and trembling.  When we hold our children in their illness, the child feels utter comfort.  But the mom is wondering and second-guessing if she's doing the right thing.  It started with a newborn.  It continues as they grow before our eyes.  I have said it before.  I LOVE being a mom to these wonderful MYP.  Even on some exhausting days.

Someone texted yesterday morning thanking me for being like a mom to him.  Such a small gesture completely made my day.  

We also had our niece and family with us. 

I love that both these boys were chosen to be part of their families.  I can hardly take in how quickly little boys turn into young men. 

Speaking of boys, there's a new boy in our extended family!  He's the 5th son born to this family.  I hope people don't ask if they want a girl.  Any child born healthy is a gift.  And hand-me-downs are handy.

I had the 'privilege' of taking admission money for a tournament this past weekend.  I had a blast working the table.  Chatting with little kids.  Asking visibly elderly people if they qualify for the senior discount.  Talking to the super-tall teenagers wandering in.  Daughter #2 wanted a 'selfie'.  I found it interesting that I never had to ask the teams streaming out of the gyms who won.  You could just tell by their actions and facial expressions.  

So a few more random pictures I found on my camera:

Happy Monday!  I tried to use less words...  honest!